UPSC Prelims 2004·GS1·economy·economic sectors and development

Assertion (A): India does not export natural rubber. Reason (R): About 97% of India’s demand for natural rubber is met from domestic production.

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  1. ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
  3. CA is true but R is false
  4. DA is false but R is trueCorrect

Explanation

The correct answer is D because Assertion A is false while Reason R is true based on long term economic trends in India.

Assertion A is false because India does export natural rubber, though the quantity is relatively small. India ranks among the top global producers of natural rubber and maintains trade relations where it both exports surplus specific grades and imports other varieties to meet industrial requirements.

Reason R is generally considered true in the context of historical data provided by UPSC. For a long period, India was nearly self-sufficient in rubber production, with domestic output covering approximately 97 percent of the total consumption. While this percentage fluctuates annually based on market demand and domestic yield, the statement serves as a valid factual basis for why India is not a major net exporter.

Since the assertion that India does not export any rubber is factually incorrect, the only viable option is D.

economy: Assertion (A): India does not export natural rubber. Reason (R): About 97% of India’s demand for natural rubber is met f
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